California: Palm Springs Wind Turbines

Palm Springs, California, is home to the oldest wind farm in the United States. Visitors can’t miss the wind turbines – it is surreal driving on Highway 10 among them. The oldest wind turbines were built in the 1980s and stand 65 feet tall, with 15 foot blades, rotating up to 700 times per minute. Newer models stand 300 feet tall, with blades half the length of a football field, rotating up to 45 times per minute. Thousands of these wind turbines line the San Gorgonio Pass, producing electricity for the Coachella Valley. This area has abundant wind energy because the air funnels through the mountain pass between the cool ocean and hot desert – sometimes reaching 80 mph! There are even special dune buggy tours among the wind turbines. A fun television episode of California’s Gold includes a visit by Huell Howser to the top of a wind turbine and can be viewed here: https://blogs.chapman.edu/huell-howser-archives/2001/01/08/windmills-californias-gold-3012/

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About PamRichard and Pam lived in the San Francisco Bay Area 14 years (1987-1999 and 2008-2011). They lived in Florida 13 years previously, until returning in July 2011 to present. They hope their photography will encourage you to get out and discover nature's beauty in your own backyard, parks, and wild places. Click on any pictures on this blog to see them full size with additional details.

6 Responses to California: Palm Springs Wind Turbines

Okay! Wowie Zowie, Pam and Richard. I love this post. The pictures are great. I’d been thinking about doing a windmill post for some time but was going to go out I-8 toward El Centro. I’d forgotten all about the windmills on the way to Palm Springs. I’m going to wait a few months then blatantly copy your idea! Love it.